Ideas for getting a 2yo to take inhaler please?

[fadingfast]

My DD has been presecribed a blue inhaler having had a persistent cough and wheeze whenever she has a cold. It has a spacer which fits over the nose and mouth. We have tried everything to get her to take it - demonstrated on teddies, shown her ds/dh/me taking it, promising stickers/biscuits etc - but she absolutely refuses. The nurse suggested just leaving it around for her to play with when she does not need it, but even that hasn't worked. I am at my wits end, especially as we have had to resort to holding her down to give it to her, which of course has probably made it even worse. Ds also has asthma and has had an inhaler from the same age, without any problem.

Any ideas how we can persuade her to take it?

[isw]

lots of play with it. Take photos of teddy using it, mummy using it etc. Then ask them if they want their photo done. Worked for us and bribing with a special toy that they can only have after doing inhaler - watching a clip on my mobile ;)

HTH

[whomovedmychocolate]

I'm afraid twice a day we have to lie down with DS held between my legs and force it upon him. He screams and I cry every time. He will happily play with his (he has a preventer AND a ventolin) but the minute it's medicine time he is really upset. But we've only been going six weeks so maybe it'll get better.

The consultant at the hospital suggested we give it to him when he's asleep (uhh wouldn't that lead to a very pissed off child who was too scared to sleep? ) so I'd welcome any helpful suggestions too!

fadingfast - chances are your DD will not need it for long and they do get over being held down and given their inhaler. They don't always get over very serious asthma attacks so easily. :( So it's worth it. Try and remember that when she screams at you, I know how hard it is but it is necessary.

[purplearmadillo]

My DS has gone through phases of refusing his. Like SGM says, giving it to him when he's asleep has worked as a last resort. Definitely let your DD play with it as much as possible so she gets used to seeing it around.

[Tikkabillajive]

We called it DS's 'magic trumpet' and everyone - me, dh, his big sister, any nearby toys - would clamour to have a go on it, each trying to outdo each other with loud tootling noises until ds had his go. Tons of completely OTT praise and flat out bribery also helped. You have my sympathy though - the nurse in hospital taught me to do it by pinning him to the bed between my legs, which traumatised him and it took ages to get him to accept it. So stressful .

Thankfully (and touching every bit of wood I can see) it has now been several months since we last needed to use it - am SO hoping he is growing out of it.

[Tikkabillajive]

I also helped ds to decorate his with dinosaur stickers.

[footballsgalore]

Put a sock over each ear. Act out being a big mad friendly dog (like the one in UP!). Pant like said dog then squirt and inhale whilst panting. Run around room woofing like a very happy mad, friendly dog. Engage all other family members to play the doggy game and cheer like mad each time someone does it.

And no, I'm not kidding

[fadingfast]

I must admit I hadn't thought of trying when she was asleep, so I will give that a go (as long as she doesn't wake up!).

It has taken me back quite how stubborn she is about taking it - DS tends to be the stubborn one, but he has taken it without any problem after we demonstrated it on teddy (calling it 'teddy medicine'). I was prepared for a battle but there was none!

I will also try the photo idea but I suspect she not be persuaded!

[trixymalixy]

We call it DS's Darth Vader medicine and do Darth vader speaking/breathing into it. Might not work with a girl though!!

[fadingfast]

Liking the dog idea too - will delegate that one to DH to try!

She is heavily into stickers too, so that may help.

Hopefully a combination of all your ideas will do the trick!

Thanks for your help.

[ilovemydogandMrObama]

Have you tried Aerochamber? DD likes it better than the spacer.

[squarehat]

Good luck :) some good ideas here. My dd was exactly the same unfortunatly. She does seem to have improved a little recently, she sobbs now tho which is een worse than a full on tantrum IMO.

Lots and lots of praise and you can, watch tv, play with fave toy, help mummy make dinner, have you cake, grapes whatever, seem to make things a bit easier :)

Love the dog idea, we also do roaring like a lion into spacer and counting to ten.